operators got started later in life and with less assistance. The larger 

 operators used considerable credit to grow. The smaller ones depended 

 more on saving. There were indications that the time span necessary to 

 accumulate, develop, and maintain the capital represented in the larger 

 farms stretched over more than one generation. 



5. The larger size farms have the greater capital accumulation potential. 

 They are better able to meet repayments on either 100 percent or more 

 conservative credit. Under the more conservative credit terms, how- 

 ever, the beginner's equity is a severe obstacle. This equity can be ac- 

 cumulated only if the farmer has the resources of a large farm to use. 

 If farmers are to progress toward full ownership out of earnings, they 

 need the use of large farms. This in turn requires increased suitable 

 rental arrangements or increased use of practically 100 percent credit. 



6. Although the analysis is of a sample of New Hampshire dairy farms, 

 these broad conclusions may well have considerable application to the 

 bulk of family operated commercial farms of the United States. 



